Worker Files Suit Over Injuries In Gas Blast

An employee of Innovative Wellsite Systems has filed a personal injury suit, alleging that as he was performing maintenance on a well head, the well “blew in” causing a blast of gas that sent him hurtling through the air.

According to the suit James Reynolds filed on May 12 in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas, the incident caused him disabling and permanent injuries. He is seeking damages of at least $1 million from Chesapeake Energy Corp. the owner and operator of the well.

Reynolds is an employee of Innovative Wellsite Systems, a company that specializes in the installation and maintenance of well heads that are used in the production of oil and gas. Reynolds says that he was dispatched to DeSoto Parish, Louisiana to change out the lock pins on a park of the well head.

Reynolds says that upon his arrival, he was informed that the well head was under extremely high pressure. He claims he told the defendant’s representative that steps should be taken to lower the gas pressure on the well head, but the representative would not comply and told him to proceed with the job.

According to the suit, the well “blew in” as Reynolds was attempting to complete the job. One person at the well site suffered fatal injuries and several others, including Reynolds, sustained serious injuries.

Reynolds alleges negligence on the part of the defendant for failure to take steps in order to control the gas pressure.

Reynolds seeks damages in excess of $1 million for lost wages, lost earning capacity, physical pain and mental anguish, permanent impairment, medical costs, interests, and court costs.

Reynolds also seeks punitive damages against the defendant, alleging that the defendant’s conduct was reckless and demonstrated a total disregard for others’ well being.